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DRC committed to working with Zambia to actualise the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula bridge project

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DRC committed to working with Zambia to actualise the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula bridge project

DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi says his government is committed to working with Zambia to actualise the Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula bridge project.

Mr. Tshisekedi said the project which was being promoted by GED Africa and Duna Aszfalt of Hungry would offer economic benefits to both countries, hence the need to implement it.

The Head of State has since directed his government officials to collaborate with their Zambian counterparts to ensure that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project took place within the next three months.

Congolese President was speaking when Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Zambia’s Ambassador to that country Friday Nyambe paid a courtesy call on him.

Mr. Tshisekedi who was flanked by his Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works Willy Ngoopos also implored officials from both countries to make every decision that would culminate into the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said the project could not have more delays owing to its economic importance to both countries.

Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing in DRC
Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing in DRC

And speaking shortly after meeting Mr. Tshisekedi, Mr. Chilangwa said his delegation was sent by President Edgar Lungu to pursue the implementation of the project expeditiously following the delays.

Mr. Chilangwa who was also accompanied by Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Charles Mushota described the meeting with President Tshisekedi as successful.

He said the project had received a major boost to take off following the show of commitment by both Presidents Lungu and Tshisekedi.

“We have had a very successful meeting with His Excellency Mr. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As you know His Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu sent Honorable Mwale, Hon. Nakachinda and I to come and engage the Congolese government on the Kasomeno- Mwenda project and the establishment of the Luapula River Authority. I’m glad to say that we have had a a very fruitful discussion with President Tshisekedi. He received us well,” said Mr. Chilangwa.

He noted that President Lungu fully understood the economic value of the project that is why he sent three Cabinet Ministers to engage with the Congolese authorities.

Mr. Chilangwa noted that the construction of Kasomeno-Mwenda toll road and Luapula Bridge would end the congestion woes at Kasumbalesa border post which will translate into immense economic and social benefits.

Meanwhile, Mr. Chilangwa disclosed that during the meeting the Zambian delegation made a proposal for the establishment of the Luapula River Authority.

Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Zambia’s Ambassador to that country Friday Nyambe paid a courtesy call on DRC President
Luapula Province Minister Nickson Chilangwa, Housing and Infrastructure Development Minister Vincent Mwale and Zambia’s Ambassador to that country Friday Nyambe paid a courtesy call on DRC President

President Lungu Commutes the death Sentence of Keith Mukata to Life Imprisonment

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President Lungu Commutes the death Sentence of Keith Mukata to Life Imprisonment

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has commuted the jail sentence of former United Party for National Development MP Keith Mukata and 245 others from death row to life imprisonment.

Mukata who served as Chilanga MP till his conviction for murdering his security guard in 2018 and was sentenced to death by hanging and had recently announced that he had found the Lord and was a pastor in the making.

Speaking in Kabwe today, Home Affairs Minister Hon Stephen Kampyongo announced that President Lungu has commuted the death sentences of 246 inmates on death row at Mukobeko Maximum Security Prison and Kabwe Female Correctional Centre in Kabwe to life imprisonment.

Hon Kampyongo said out of the 246 commuted inmates, 225 are males while 21 are females and that the commutation of sentences from death to life imprisonment was in line with the President’s powers vested in Article 97 of the Constitution of Zambia.

“The clemency of Death to Life Sentences under his leadership has accumulated to about six hundred and thirty (630) during his seven years of reign. This is unprecedented human rights record which cannot go unnoticed,” he said.

The Minister said the prison authorities and inmates have expressed gratitude to President Lungu as the move will result in decongestion of the condemned section of the Maximum Security

“This prison reserved for condemned prisoners was built during the colonial era and was intended to house a maximum of 50 prisoners. Currently, however, this section of the prison accommodates more than 420 prisoners partly because there have been no executions since 1997,” he said.

He said the commutation of inmates is an opportunity for them to introspect on their past mistakes.

“Instead of you meeting the hanger you have been given a second chance of life imprisonment, therefore, do not take this lifetime gesture for granted,” Hon. Kampyongo told the excited inmates.

And Zambia Correctional Service Commissioner General Dr. Chisela Chileshe disclosed that the service has recorded 67 cases of COVID-19 among inmates and officers across all correctional facilities.

Dr Chileshe said the service will continue to enforce measures to protect inmates against the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the 246 inmates, Dickson Kasongo thanked President Lungu for commuting their death sentences to life imprisonment.

Mr. Kasongo said it is clear that President Lungu is concerned about the welfare of prisoners.

“His Excellency, the President, and the PF administration have enabled us to acquire National Registration Cards (NRCs) as well as Voters cards in order that we participate in the decision-making process of the country during the elections, it shows that he has not forgotten about us and wants us to be better people,” he said.

ECZ Should Engage All Stakeholders Before Making Statements On The Electoral Process-CLRI

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ECZ Should Engage All Stakeholders Before Making Statements On The Electoral Process-CLRI

The Continental Leadership Research Institute (CLRI) has expressed concern at the recent statement by the Electoral Commission of Zambia over possible restrictions regarding the number of international election observers to be allowed in the country owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement issued to the media CLRI Executive Director Paul Mundia Hakoola said ECZ should be more consultative when making such statements as opposed to making announcements without engaging other stakeholders.

Mr Hakoola said the statement by the electoral body undermines the spirit of transparency which is one of the values of ECZ adding that the electoral body should have robust media programs aimed at explaining the electoral process as well as conduct civic education to enlighten the citizenry.

“ECZ has been less consultative and the institute has also noted the lapses by commission’s media department to engage stakeholders through robust media programs aimed at explaining the electoral processes and conduct civic education this situation has caused anxiety among members of the public.
As an institute we reaffirm the earlier position to call on the ECZ to be more consultative and learn to build consensus among stakeholders, in view of the above reasons the institute believes that the possible restriction of international observers will undermine and erode the creditability of our electoral process,” he said.

Mr. Hakoola further wondered why ECZ is raising the issue of election observers entering the country when the country has remained open to outsiders all this time.

“Zambian airspace and borders have been open meaning different individuals from different parts of the world have been able to visit Zambia without any restrictions whatsoever. The position by ECZ to restrict international observers doesn’t hold water as our borders are open.

“The statement by ECZ undermines the spirit of transparency and accountability in the electoral process,” he said.

ECZ on Monday said the international observers may need to use their local staff to monitor the 2021 elections owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zambia records 1,289 new COVID-19 cases out of the 11,862 test

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Zambia records 1,289 new COVID-19 cases out of the 11,862 test

Zambia has in the last 24 hours recorded 1,289 new COVID-19 cases out of the 11,862 tests carried out across the country. Minister of Health, Jonas Chanda said the country has also recorded 16 COVID-19 related deaths in the last 24 hours.

Dr Chanda explained that the 16 deaths bring the cumulative number of deaths to 688, saying the deaths have been classified as 301 COVID-deaths, 382 COVID-19 associated deaths and five pending classification.

He has challenged citizens to stop being perpetuated by the dangerous trends of self-prescribing pharmaceutical or other medicines as treatment for COVID-19 as this carries serious risks.

Dr Chanda has urged people to seek medical advice as the ministry has put in place systems to ensure that people have access to routine services and medical care from health facilities.

He said the country should continue adherence to all COVID-19 guidelines so as to ensure that everyone is protected. Dr Chanda said in collaboration with many partners the government, will continue to sustain efforts to deliver quality health care to all and ensure the spread of COVID-19 is halted.

Yesterday Dr Chanda said that the Zambia recorded 1,476 new COVID- 19 cases out of the 11,683 tests conducted. Dr Chanda explained that the country recorded 12 deaths and 1,723 recoveries.

Dr Chanda pointed out that 98 percent of new cases were identified from various hospital facilities, routine tracing and contact tracing.

“Out of the 12 deaths seven have been classified as COVID-19 deaths, four as COVID-19 associated deaths and one is pending classification. Copperbelt Province recorded five deaths, Lusaka four, Eastern two and Northern one,” he said.

Dr Chanda said among the 6,588 active cases, 6,093 are under community management while 495 are admitted to various health facilities, adding that that among the 495 admitted, 339 are on oxygen and 35 are in critical condition.

“Among the new recorded cases Copperbelt recorded the highest number of cases with 345 cases. Cumulatively the country has recorded 47,625 cases with 672 deaths and 40,362 recoveries,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Dr Chanda pointed out that health authorities are providing guidance on the preparations for Nc’wala Tradition Ceremony of the Ngoni people of Eastern Province that is slated for February 27, 2021.

He further appealed to members of the general public to continue adhering to five golden rules in the quest to combat the spread of the pandemic.

And on January 25, the country recorded 809 new cases with 21 deaths and 2,679 recoveries. The cumulative number of COVID- 19 cases stands at 47,625 with 672 deaths and 40,362 recoveries.

N’cwala ceremony to be held amid strict COVID-19 guidelines

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N’cwala ceremony to be held amid strict COVID-19 guidelines

Paramount Chief Mpezeni of the Ngoni speaking in Eastern Province says the N’cwala traditional ceremony slated for February 27, 2021 will be held amid strict COVID-19 guidelines.

The N’cwala celebrations will take place at Mtenguleni Village in Chipata district, Eastern Province.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni made the announcement in statement released by N’cwala Organising Committee General Secretary, Adamson Sakala.

The traditional ruler said the hosting of this year’s ceremony has not been cancelled but will be held with adherence to strict COVID-19 guidelines.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni said the committee has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Health since preparatory meetings started at Mtenguleni where all concerns are being attended to and addressed.

“May I advise the general public to refrain from circulating unconfirmed information but rather consult the right people where and when need rises,” he said.

Paramount Chief Mpezeni said the Ministry of Health will always advise with regards to hosting of the ceremony when need arises.

“We shall surely keep the public updated as regards to holding of this year’s N’cwala ceremony as this will be in consideration of the advice from the Ministry of Health.,” he stated.

North PF endorse President Lungu as the sole candidate for PF for the this year elections

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North PF endorse President Lungu as the sole candidate for PF for the this year elections

The Patriotic Front (PF) Northern Province Mobilisation Committee has endorsed President Edgar Lungu as the presidential candidate in this year’s general elections.

PF Provincial Mobilization Committee Secretary, Everist Chellah said the committee and the PF Mungwi District Executive Committee are solely behind the candidature of President Lungu.

Mr. Chellah stated that the province will only support the incumbent as they are aware of people within the party who want to challenge the President during the convention.

He has since advised anyone with the intention of challenging President Lungu to stop wasting their time as they will not receive any support from the party in the province.

“As a place where the party started from, we will not support any other candidate other than President Lungu and we are solely behind him,” he said.

He explained that the party in the province will support President Lungu as he has shown that he is a good leader looking at the many developmental projects his administration has delivered across the country.

“We are confident that we will win this year’s general elections because people still want the Head of State to continue being their president in order to foster development in the country,” said Mr. Chellah.

Mr. Chellah said this during a meeting which the Provincial Mobilisation Committee held with Mungwi district party officials in Mungwi.

Meanwhile, PF Provincial Mobilisation Coordinator, Jairos Tembo has urged PF members in Mungwi and the province to work together and grow the party ahead of the August general elections.

Mr Tembo said the party needs to continue showing love to one another so that it can be able to attract more members from opposition political parties.

“Just like in a home, you will be able to receive visitors when they know there is peace and love at home and you are welcoming. In the same way, when we show love to one another, we will be able to attract more opposition members to the party,” he said.

He observed that the party in Mungwi district has been facing serious problems because people have pledged loyalty to individuals and not the party.

“It is worrying when we come to hear that there are many camps that have been formed within the party. Others are supporting the incumbent MP, others are with the Council Chairperson while others are with aspiring candidates. This is not good and I am urging the newly elected district leadership to ensure that they bring this to an end. We do not want people to show loyalty to individuals but to the party,” he said.

Earlier, Mungwi Council Chairperson, Gift Lwembe appealed to party members to strictly follow the COVID-19 preventive measures as they conduct their party duties.

“COVID-19 is real so let us ensure that we mask up and maintain social distance as we carry out mobilization programmes,” he said.

He said there is need for the party to ensure that people are protected from the disease by ensuring that they strictly adhere to the health guidelines.

” We have registered in excess of over 70,000 voters and what we want is to ensure that we get as many as 65,000 votes but this will only happen if we protect the people from this disease and we ensure that they are safe” he said.

German Government donates resources for Zambia/DRC demarcation mission

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German Government donates resources for Zambia/DRC demarcation mission

The German Government through GIZ has handed over technical and personal protective equipment to Zambia for use during the Zambia/Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demarcation mission.

Speaking at the virtue handover ceremony in Lusaka, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Chalwe Lombe expressed gratitude to the German Government for the support rendered towards the demarcation mission.

Ambassador Lombe stated that German’s support towards peace and security efforts in the region and the continent through the African Union Border Programme will contribute towards the regional integration agenda.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the finalization of the demarcation border programme whose completion will enhance political stability, security and promote cooperation, trade and investment between Zambia and DRC.

“Zambia enjoys warm longstanding relations with the Germany Government and values its immense cooperation in areas such as good governance, water and sanitation, wildlife conservation, natural resources management and energy as well as areas of peace and security,” Ambassador Lombe indicated.

German Ambassador to Zambia, Anne Wagner hailed Zambia for the progress achieved with its neighbours in the important field of clarifying borderlines and spurring cross-border cooperation.

Ms Wagner disclosed that the Germany government has been working with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on the African Union Border Programme since 2008 as pilot countries, therefore, can further share their border governance experiences with other African countries.

The Ambassador commended Zambia for having swiftly and successfully sought the Southern African Development Community’s mediation on the DRC border dispute, resulting in the agreement to demarcate the unclear border.

“The donation of the equipment signified a mark of friendship, partnership and the growing cooperation between Zambia and Germany,” she said.

And the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources Assistant Surveyor-General for Survey Services, Leonard Chunga thanked the Germany government for the continued support to the reaffirmation programme of international boundaries through the African Union.

The German government has supported the country in the provision of equipment, technical support and sensitization materials.

The equipment comprises the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) set, 4,000 masks, 400 bottles of 500ml rinse-free sanitizers and 3,600 pairs of gloves. And GIZ is expected to provide complementary training on the usage of the GNSS set.

This was contained in a statement issued to ZANIS by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Public Relations Officer, Chansa Kabwela.

Management of clinical waste worry Kalulushi residents

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Management of clinical waste worry Kalulushi residents

Residents in Kalulushi district have expressed concern about the poor management of health care waste as they are posing a risk to children.

Frank Muzeya, a resident of Kalulushi district on the Copperbelt says the newly constructed health posts which are part of the 650 government is constructing countrywide are not fenced and children now have access to the health care waste.

Mr. Muzeya said health authorities in the district should do something quickly before children are contaminated and contract unknown infections.

“Most of these clinics are not fenced and our children are playing with the medical waste. This is dangerous, for example here at Chat clinic children pick anything they see pleasing to their eyes,” Mr. Muzeya said.

Mr. Muzeya has also observed that even some old and well-established clinics that remain unfenced are experiencing the same problem.

And when contacted for a comment, Copperbelt Provincial Health Director, Robert Zulu said some of the facilities were built by communities and handed over to the Ministry of health without fences.

Dr. Zulu said his office is, however, cognisant of the hazards this may cause to the members of the public and that action will be taken soon.

He said modalities are already in place to ensure that the said health facilities are fenced so that members of the public especially children are not exposed to the waste and probably get contaminated.

“It’s in our Infrastructure plan for 2021, that fencing and titling of all health institutions. Will take it up, “Dr. Zulu said.

CiSCA demands release of the December 2020 shootings report

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CiSCA demands release of the December 2020 shootings report

The Civil Society Constitution Agenda (CiSCA) has demanded the immediate and public release of the report on the shooting to death of Prosecutor Nsama Nsama and UPND member Joseph Kaunda, two innocent unarmed citizens shot dead on 23rd December 2020.

On Tuesday, 26th January 2021, State House issued a statement that President Lungu had received the full report of the shooting from the Inspector General of Police on the investigation, and after studying the report, he had “since handed it over to the Director of Public Prosecutions for her attention”.

In a statement released to the media and signed by Judith Mulenga, CiSCA Chairperson, CiSCA said that they are baffled by the President’s non-disclosure of the content of the report and that people have the right to know who pulled the triggers and who gave the order to shoot, adding that President Lungu publicly directed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the shootings and to give him a report by 28th December 2020 after the public outcry both at national and international levels.

The right to life is a fundamental human right which every individual, including Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda, were entitled to and their enjoyment of the right did not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others, as per Article 11(a) of our Bill of Rights, the statement read

“Further, the right to life is not listed under Article 25 as one of the rights that can be derogated from under any prevailing circumstances. The shooting happened in public, and the commissioning of the investigation was public. It therefore follows that the publication of the report be made public. Why has the President become tight lipped on it? We contend that while the report was to the President, the content, thereof is for the public. In trite law, whenever a document is concealed, the content is not favourable to the concealer.

“The secrecy in which the President wants to handle this report makes a compelling reason for the long overdue enactment of the Access to Information Bill, which has been pending for more than two decades. We therefore demand the enactment of the Access to Information law before the dissolution of the current session of the National Assembly to breathe life into Article 20 on the freedom of expression which includes freedom to ask and receive information without hindrance. This way the President and other public officials would be compelled to release information in their possession that is not prejudicial to national security to the public. Justice for Nsama Nsama and Joseph Kaunda is not a national security matter.

“Why hand the report to the DPP? Did she ask for it? The DPP institutes criminal proceedings therefore who committed the crime and why has the police not arrested the offender? Is this part of the tiresome perennial PF schemes? The public deserves to know the truth. Nsama’s and Kaunda’s families and loved ones need to know the truth. Kaunda’s young son whose heart wrenching grief at his father’s grave site photo went viral deserves to know who killed his father.

Power Dynamos End Month-Long Hibernation

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Power Dynamos end their month-long football hibernation this weekend when they hosts struggling Green Buffaloes at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

The Kitwe side has not tasted any competitive action since December 27 when they beat Zanaco 2-1 at the same venue.

Power, who host fifth from bottom Buffaloes on January 30, have been inactive due to the five-man quota away on international duty that exempts them from league obligations

But with that number now down to four, Power are obliged to fulfil their league engagements.

This follows midfielder Chaniza Zulu’s return from Cameroon after he failed to make the final 28-member CHAN team when it was announced before the tournaments January 19 kickoff.

Power will return to action this Saturday with little change in dynamics despite having three games in hand.

Perry Mutapa’s team are in seventh place and six points behind leaders Zanaco on 18 and 24 points respectively.

Taking Over of Mopani Copper Mine By ZCCM-IH: Is this Deal Worthwhile?

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Taking Over of Mopani Copper Mine By ZCCM-IH: Is this Deal Worthwhile?

By Webby Banda

On 19th January 2021, Minister of Mines Richard Musukwa announced the Government’s strategic step to own 100 percent shares in Mopani Copper Mine through the state mining investment arm, ZCCM-IH. Before this development, the ownership structure of the mine initially constituted 90 percent shares owned by Carlisa investment and 10 percent owned by ZCCM-IH. Technical information of this deal seems to be masked with the Government having a monopoly of information. However, clear statements on this deal are those coming from the Minister’s speech and other sources regarding the interest and principal payment of the transaction debt ($1.5 billion).

From the Ministers speech, the three main features of the transaction are (taken as verbatim):

  1. The $4.8 billion loan owned by MCM has been agreed to be reduced to $1.5 billion. MCM as an asset was owing loans amounting to $4.8 billion from Glencore (Bermuda), Glencore International and Carlisa.
  2. The sale price is $1.
  3. The 1.5 billion transaction debt is to be repaid through an off-take agreement granted to Glencore international using 10% percent of the production. That means the loan will be repaid between 10 to 17 years depending on the price of copper.

According to other sources, the following are some of the features of the transaction in terms of the payment process of the transaction debt (1.5 Billion dollars).

  1. Interest payment of the debt will be capitalised for the first three months and thereafter paid quarterly at LIBOR + 3%
  2. The principal amount will be settled using the following dual mechanism:
    (a) 3% of the gross revenue of MCM (2021-2023) and 10 – 17.5% of gross revenue thereafter
    (b) 33.3% of EBITDA minus (taxes + changes in working capital + royalty payments + interest + principal payment in the first mechanism)

Who does this deal benefit?

Assessing the first point under the minister’s speech, it is quite clear that Glencore borrowed itself money for the operations of MCM. It is important to stress that multinational enterprises borrow themselves money to dodge tax payments. This subsequently translates into serious revenue leakages in the mining sector. The immediate question that remains unanswered is the value of the loan. How confident is the government that this loan has not been overpriced at the benefit of Glencore?

Did government undertake comprehensive financial due diligence to ascertain the true value of this loan? Another question that is to be answered is whether this approach to mine valuation (which seems to be a cost approach) is the best when valuing production properties like MCM? The best-known method of valuing production properties is the income approach particularly using a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis.

Looking at the sketchy details of this deal one can safely conclude that Glencore has transmitted all technical and market risk to ZCCM-IH and is to benefit from the riskless docile position of debt servicing by ZCCM-IH and arbitrage opportunity emanating from having buying rights on copper output. The trend of undervaluing and overpricing of mining assets will continue in perpetuity if the country does not craft its own mineral asset valuation code.

This does not involve reinventing the will because the government can easily fine-tune and adopt one of the international codes and pass it into law. When this is done the country will have a proper guideline on mining asset valuation. This is a matter that CTPD has been advocating for over the recent years.

Is the loan settlement mechanism sustainable?

Assessing the third point under the minister’s speech and two points from other sources it is still not clear whether the interest and principal payment shall be based on 10, 90, or 100 percent production. Also, it is still not clear as to what happens when ZCCM-IH defaults in servicing the principal and interest amounts.

Does Glencore repossess some of the mine assets? What are the agreed penalty charges if any? Will the principal amount be paid on a quarterly or annual basis? However, from the loan servicing mechanism, it appears the payment process will be self-serviced by the mining asset thus not exerting pressure on national coffers. Answering the question of whether this will be sustainable or not, well it depends on the production volume and copper price cycle over the agreed loan payment period.

Does the $1.5 billion transaction debt add to the current debt stock of Zambia?

We must appreciate the fact the debt is sitting on ZCCM-IH books and not the Ministry of Finance. This being so, it means the debt is to be wholly serviced by ZCMM-IH and not tax revenue from government coffers. However, we are of the view that the IMF and other creditors will closely watch this development in the negotiation process of a bailout package.

Can Zambia run its mines?

The idea of Zambia gaining strategic ownership of national assets such as mines is an important one. At least it sets a benchmark for running other mines. However, we must appreciate the fact that each mining project is unique with different cost and production profiles, technical features, and technology.

When it comes to the technical management of the mines, Zambia has a large technocrat’s base to support this. However, most state-managed business projects fail because of mismanagement arising from political interference, inefficiencies, and corruption. Just like in the nationalisation era the state failed to keep the mines afloat because of a lack of recapitalisation emanating from poor management. However, it must be mentioned that lower copper prices had a great effect too.

What is the way forward?

Looking at the circumstances in which the deal was negotiated it was unavoidable given the threat made by Glencore to place the mine on care and maintenance. This could have resulted in a loss of more than 15,000 jobs and this could have subsequently sent ripple effects to other businesses linked to mining. Considering this is an election year government could not trade the job losses with care and maintenance.

In going forward, we can only hope and trust that the government manages the MCM asset in the best interest of the people. This should gravitate towards poverty reduction which can be achieved through policy frameworks like local content. We further hope that the Mine shall be free from political interference and corruption. We also hope that trained and competent geologists, mining engineers, metallurgical engineers, and other skilled personnel shall be at the helm of the management process.

The Author is a Senior Researcher (Extractives) at the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD), a not- for –profit, membership based trade policy and development think tank

Fifth session of parliament resumes Virtually

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Fifth session of parliament resumes Virtually

The fifth session of the twelfth assembly commenced virtually yesterday in the quest to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.

During the session for oral answer, understanding order number 30, Minister of Health Jonas Chanda said the government will continue with its master plan to bring service delivery close to the general citizenry.

Dr Chanda disclosed that his ministry will soon embark on the construction of 118 mini-hospitals countrywide in order to further enhance quality service delivery.

Responding to a question from Moomba Member of Parliament Fred Chaatila, Dr Chanda pointed out that his Ministry will also continue with the construction of the district hospitals.

Mr. Chaatila wanted to know whether the government has any plans to rehabilitate the Nampeyo Clinic in Moomba Parliamentary Constituency; if so, when the plans will be implemented; what the time frame for the completion of the project is; and if there are no such plans, why.

In response, the Minister of Health stated that Nampeyo clinic is among the health centres to build under the 2021 to 2023 medium-term expenditure.

“Government has plans to rehabilitate Nampeyo clinic under the 2021 -23 medium term expenditure and we are working with DMMU to find the medium solution to the problem. Members of parliament are free to use CDF to build clinics but should consult my Ministry,” he said.

He further explained that health quality health service delivery remains top on the government’s agenda.

Church, Funeral gatherings must be restricted – Lusaka Province PS

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Church, Funeral gatherings must be restricted – Lusaka Province PS

Lusaka Province Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga is concerned that churches and funerals have continued to be super-spreaders of covid-19 and has called for restricting to such public gatherings.

Mr. Kamanga notes that the death of a number of the clergy is evidence that the disease is being spread in places of worship saying more needs to be done to ensure adherence to health guidelines.

Speaking during a virtual covid-19 multi-sectoral committee meeting yesterday, Mr. Kamanga noted that people have continued to gather in large numbers in churches and funerals.

“This is the case even when the deceased is reported to have died from covid 19, people will be at funerals in large numbers disregarding the health guidelines,” he said.

The Provincial Permanent Secretary urged local authorities in the province to ensure that not more than 50 people attend funerals.

And Lusaka City Council (LCC) Town Clerk Alex Mwansa said the council has been overwhelmed with the demand for disinfection of both public and private infrastructure.

Mr. Mwansa noted that the council is not able to meet the demand due to inadequate logistics.

“We have been overstretched in terms of fuel and chemicals, we need other stakeholders to come on board to render assistance. We have been writing to stakeholders to supplement the services.” he said.

And Provincial Health Director Consity Mwale says there may be need to engage the private sector to offer fumigation services as a business.

He observed that there has been an increased demand following the escalating new cases of covid-19.

“It may be difficult to cope with the increasing demand,” he said.

Meanwhile, Government has released an initial K250, 000 to support interventions in the fight against Covid-19 in Lusaka Province which is the epicenter of the disease.

Provincial Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga says the funds will go towards surveillance, contact tracing, community awareness, compliance and enforcement of the covid-19 health guidelines.

Mr Kamanga said this when he addressed the weekly virtual multi-sectoral covid-19 committee meeting on Tuesday that each of the seven districts in the province has been allocated K20, 000 for various activities towards combating the further spread of the disease.

He stated that the monies will be used by the multi-sectoral covid-19 taskforce at district level and that the districts will start receiving the funds by Wednesday.

He stated that K60, 000 will be used for surveillance, contact tracing, community awareness and compliance by the provincial health office.

“K40, 000 will go towards coordination and enforcement and this will be done by the Provincial Disaster Management and Mitigation Committee,” he said.

Mr Kamanga stated that K10, 000 has been allocated to the Zambia News and Information Services for sensitization through the mobile announcements.

“The resources will go towards the purchase of fuel and other logistics to support the said activities that will be undertaken in the province,” he said.

Mr Kamanga was hopeful that the province will receive more funds as it awaits the approval of its contingency plan.

And Provincial Health Director Consity Mwale said inadequate resources for contact tracing and poor compliance among communities have continued to humper efforts in the fight against covid-19 in the province.

Dr Mwale stated that with the K60, 000 support, the province will enhance efforts meant to curtail the further spread of the disease.

He however noted that inadequate stakeholder support, stocks out of vital commodities and inadequate transport have been affecting the covid-19 response activities.

An artificial shortage of drugs in some clinics on the Copperbelt irks Minister of Health

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An artificial shortage of drugs in some clinics on the Copperbelt irks Minister of Health

An artificial shortage of drugs in some clinics on the Copperbelt has irked Minister of Health Jonas Chanda who has since directed the Medical Stores Limited to ensure a steady supply.

And the Health Minister has observed that some hospitals were unable to conduct clinical Chemistry and Hematology tests due to a lack of supply of laboratory reagents.

This came to light when Dr. Chanda toured some health facilities and the Copperbelt Regional Medical hub in Luanshya district.

Dr. Chanda wondered why some basic drugs in some clinics in Kitwe, Ndola, and Luanshya districts were in short supply when the regional medical hub was fully stocked.

“I want to know why some facilities I have visited have no drugs, for example when I visited Kitwe on Sunday, patients from clinics were flocking to Kitwe central hospital with the handwritten prescription of basic drugs such as Panadol and Amoxil, when we have full stock from Medical stores limited, we can’t have people flocking to tertiary hospitals for basic drugs that can be acquired from local clinics” he noted.

Dr Chanda questioned why some facilities like Roan General hospital in Luanshya only had a medical supply level of two weeks instead of six months, the situation he said would result in shortages if not well managed.

“The Copperbelt is very cardinal and it has a high population, therefore there is a need for medical stores to meet the supply chain by ensuring that hospitals have the needed supply levels, if we can’t meet the supply we should therefore engage medical stores in Lusaka to increase the supply as there is no shortage of drugs in the country,” he added.

The Minister of Health further indicated that hospitals in Luanshya were unable to conduct chemistry and Hematology tests due to a lack of laboratory reagents, which was compromising the quality of health service delivery.

Mr. Chanda questioned how hospitals were able to start people on Anti-Retroviral Treatment without conducting renal and liver functions due to lack of reagents.

He has since directed medical stores to ensure a steady supply of reagents and stock compromising of the service delivered.

And Copperbelt Province Biomedical Director in charge of laboratories Ngungu Nyoni said the region had a total of 82 laboratories and that the supply by medical stores did not meet the demand.

Mr. Nyoni said the reagent supply which is done once monthly leaves small health facilities without supply as big health institutions were given priority.

And Copperbelt Regional Medical Hub General Manager Mathews Fwambo said the hub was fully stocked and that it supplied drugs to hospitals once a month.

Mr. Fwambo said once the hub received stocks from Medical stores they information hospitals who make their orders and are supplied monthly.

“We further provide hospitals with our stock status weekly, from there they are able to see our stick and in turn make their orders and we deliver,” he said

Meanwhile, Dr Chanda has directed Medical Stores Limited to work closely with the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority to eliminate the trend of recalling medicines in circulation.

Mr. Chanda has since directed ZAMRA and Medical stores to compile a report on all recalled medicines last year.

He said the two bodies should work together closely to check the quality and state of drugs before they were circulated.

The Health Minister is on the Copperbelt province on a familiarization tour of health facilities following his appointment.

Three major union bodies in Zambia have launched the COVID-19 Taskforce

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Three major union bodies in Zambia have launched the COVID-19 Taskforce

The three major union bodies in Zambia have stepped up efforts to supplement government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bodies which include Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), Federation of Free Trade Unions (FFTUZ) and Confederation of Trade Unions of Zambia COTUZ have formed a taskforce called Operation 100 COVID-19 Taskforce.

Speaking during the launch of the taskforce, Permanent Secretary for Public Service Management Division (PSMD), Boniface Chimbwali said the taskforce was created due to the spike in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Mr Chimbwali said the taskforce was named Operation 100 meaning it intends to support government consistently for 100 days.

He explained that the help from the taskforce will include technical, operational, media and financial support towards the fight against COVID-19.

“Eradicating the virus is our main goal as government and it gives us great pleasure to partner with the taskforce as we know if this does not happen, it may affect our social and economic development as a country,” he said.

Mr Chimbwali highlighted that the taskforce has identified target areas like Provincial Headquarters, big cities and border areas which are believed to be the hot spots for COVID-19 spread due to economic activities.

He added that some of the daily activities lined up includes fumigation, sanitizing, enforce face masking, hand washing in public places for the next 100 days.

Mr Chimbwali commended the unions for the initiative of forming the taskforce as they have gone an extra mile from the usual lobbying for increase of salaries and good working conditions.

The Permanent Secretary encouraged the general public to play a leading role in the fight against the pandemic by observing the COVID-19 health regulations.

And the Operation 100 COVID-19 Taskforce Chairperson, Inambao Sitwala said the 100 days’ work plan came up under a proven scientific evidence that adherence and compliance for 100 days can reduce the rapid spread of any pandemic.

Mr Sitwala noted that if the pandemic continues to spike, it would affect the labor movement as there would be massive loss of employment for the Zambian people.

He highlighted that the taskforce aims at providing the means in which government will be supplemented so that business can continue to be done while adherence and compliance is being observed by all.

“Our approach is Multi-Dimensional and sectoral looking at how the disease is spreading. Other stakeholders have been brought on board like the Ministry of Health, Education, Local Government, Agriculture, Defense and Home Affairs,” he said.

Mr Sitwala added that the Road Transport and Safety Agency, Drug Enforcement Commission, Market Associations and the chave also been identified as stakeholders that the taskforce intends to work with.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Health is spearheading the taskforce together with the Transport and education sectors.

Mr Sitwala further disclosed that the operation will begin to be executed in the first and second quarter of this year.

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